Carcajada for saxophone quartet, flute, clarinet, horn, bass trombone, bass, piano, xylophone (1999).
Carcajada, (“big laugh” or “roaring laughter”), brings together an odd conglomeration of instruments centered around the piano and a saxophone quartet. Elements of jazz are prominent throughout the piece; these range from the early style, even verging on ragtime, to styles reflective of contemporary jazz practices. All of these elements are in turn mixed with large doses of postmodernism. Dynamics and other stylistic markings throughout the piece have been exaggerated beyond the range of standard practice; this is to reflect the humorous, raucous, and unbridled character of the work.
This piece was recorded at Biola University in 2000 by the Orion Saxophone Quartet, together with
freelance performers from around the Los Angeles area (Stephen Tucker conducting). It was premiered by the same ensemble, (John M. Kennedy conducting), at the Pacific Contemporary Music CenterÕs New Music Festival on April 1, 2000. Special thanks to Rodney Winther and the CCM Chamber Players, who performed the work again at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music on November 14, 2003.
